Why Insulting A Duplex Seller Won’t Save You Money

If I we just met and I told you your duplex is ugly, would you sell it to me for less?

Odds are, if you hadn’t slapped me first, you would hold to your price.

If I were you, I’d do the same. Most of us would. And yet, time and again I work with buyers who want me to write a low offer on a property accompanied by the explanation that the roof is old, the paint is chipped, or the lawn needs mowing.

These buyers seem to expect sellers to exclaim, “I see the error of my ways! Let me reduce my price accordingly!”

But they don’t. Sellers know their roof doesn’t leak and if it did, replacing it wouldn’t cost more than $10,000; not the $50,000 the buyer estimated.

They usually know their paint is chipping. If the duplex is listed for sale, odds are they’ve already adjusted the price for that. And if it’s a Realtor’s pocket listing, there’s a high probability painting is at the top of the “To Do” list.

Insulting someone usually doesn’t result in their agreeing with you. It usually results in their more firmly entrenching themselves in their position.

If you legitimately have concerns about the condition of a structural or component of the duplex, the best strategy is to have the property inspected by a qualified professional. They will give you an accurate assessment, which will be far easier to present to the seller for adjustments or remedies.